When Tommy Wagner moved from Weyburn, Saskatchewan—a town of just 10,000 people—to the UBC Vancouver campus, he stepped into a world far bigger than anything he’d ever known. “UBC is seven times the size of the town I grew up in,” he says. “It was terrifying at first, but it’s turned into something incredible.”

Just before high school graduation, Tommy received the call that changed everything: he had been awarded the UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Award.

“This award helped me remove financial barriers,” says Tommy. “Instead of choosing opportunities based on cost, I could choose them because they inspired me. It gave me the possibility, the freedom, and the feeling of being seen for who I am and who I hope to become.”

That sense of being recognized and supported shaped his early days on campus.

“It affirmed that my ambitions were real—that my story was worth believing in,” he said. “That confidence allowed me to dream bigger and be bolder.”

As he began his studies in the Bachelor of Commerce program—specializing in marketing and business technology management—Tommy found his interests widening rapidly. His passion for fashion marketing initially drew him toward the creative side of business, but UBC soon opened new doors.

“I realized I loved not just the creative side, but also the technology behind how organizations operate,” he says. “UBC pushed me to expand what I thought I was capable of.”

With the financial pressure eased, Tommy found room to explore, contribute and take on meaningful work beyond the classroom. That freedom became transformative.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work on several projects with local Vancouver businesses, helping them grow and stand out—something I’ve always been deeply passionate about. This scholarship gave me the space to invest my time into leadership, community engagement, and creative work that I’m proud of. It helped me direct my energy toward building the person I want to become.”

Tommy also sought out opportunities to connect and contribute to student life. In his first year, he served as a junior representative for Commerce Night, helping celebrate outstanding contributions from faculty, student leaders and clubs.

“It taught me the value of recognition,” he says. “Celebrating the hard work of others builds confidence, belonging, and motivation.”

He also returned to a familiar passion—volleyball. Intramural play helped him rediscover a sport he once competed in at the national level. At the same time, his role at the Canaccord Learning Commons allowed him to support Sauder students as they navigated academic resources and campus life. Together, these experiences transformed a once-daunting new environment into a community where he could thrive.

Looking ahead, Tommy hopes to pursue an international exchange and continue blending creativity, marketing and community impact in his studies and future career.

“I want to make meaningful change and help people feel they can rely on me,” Tommy says. “Growing up in a small Saskatchewan town, I always dreamed of embracing uniqueness and creating something new.”

He adds: “I give donors all the credit for how far I’ve come. I wouldn’t be here without them.”